Reproduction Westfalia SO-42/SO-44/Dormobile Pop-Top Seal

[easy e]

My background is engineering. I contacted two U.S. Manufacturers first one didn't want to do it and the other one their prices were out of this world. Then I went to Alibaba and was in contact with six different manufacturers and worked through the process to find the best one.

The seal will have a steel segmented u-channel core but it won't have the little dog eared tabs on each individual segment. Adding an extra rubber "finger" for grip. It won't fall off.
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aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[GM Industries]

Any update on the seal easy?

[easy e]

It's officially in production!
Getting 1000m... so that'll be enough for a little over 200 pop tops.
Didn't get an ETA yet. I think they should be done in a week or two, then a boat ride & customs, etc.
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[srfndoc]

First off, thanks for doing this Evan!

Second, I think we need to split off all the discussion about the seal to a separate thread/title as this one is for the poptop canvas and many will not find this info since its buried in the wrong thread.

Everett - thoughts? Can we move the last 14 posts in this thread to a new one with a new title like "New poptop seal reproduction" or something similar?

Thanks.
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RPM=(MPH*336* (R&P*4th*1.26))/Tire Diameter in inches

[EverettB]

Split completed!
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[srfndoc]

[busdaddy]

[GM Industries]

I'm down for 1 as well Evan ... And again thanks for taking on this project!

[curtis4085]

Much thanks for your work in reproducing the Poptop seal. Please put me don for one!!
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Special Thanks to:
Headflow Masters - Vista, CA
www.headflowmasters.com

[easy e]

You're welcome guys!
I've asked one of our esteemed members to give it a once over before I'll consider anyone committed. If it's not up to snuff... I'd probably give it another go. If they're blessed... I'll send out PMs with details.

I don't see running out soon... but just to help me track who's tentatively in / first served... (newcomers, feel free to copy the list below & add your name at the end... in a new post)

Tentatively...
bigdish2 (1) (thanks for the seal Bryce!)
BulliBill (1)...+2 friends (1+1)
Col_Forbin (1)
srfndoc (1)
busdaddy (1)
GM Industries (1)
curtis4085 (1)
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[1950split]

Thanks for your great initiative! I am in for -1-.

Added my username at the end of the list

tentatively...
bigdish2 (1) (thanks for the seal Bryce!)
BulliBill (1)...+2 friends (1+1)
Col_Forbin (1)
srfndoc (1)
busdaddy (1)
GM Industries (1)
curtis4085 (1)
1950split (1)

[easy e]

Thanks!

Here's an example of what's currently commercially available from the various VW parts houses... typically $49.50 to $65.50 per seal. They really strayed from the original aesthetic.

Original...

_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[GM Industries]

Can't wait to see your final product!

[easy e]

Heh, me too
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[BarryL]

[easy e]

My wife is much better looking than me. She'll be doing just regular 'ol infomercials.... but, then you'll also be able to pick one up at your local "As Seen On TV" store.
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[wcfvw69]

Nice job.. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your efforts. You mentioned Alibaba, I assume it's made in Asia, China to be specific? Not that it matters, I am just curious as I've wanted to have a few things reproduced as well.
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[easy e]

Ya, they have basically new cities devoted to certain types of production... rubber, aluminum, etc...
Seems like they have their act much more together now... than say 20 years ago. Seal will be EPDM... very good UV resistance & heat durability... way better than natural rubber.

For some other stuff... like brass, for example.... IndiaMART
I had Westy hooks made there... and for a while was thinking of getting screw terminal wire connectors made there... like for 3rd brake light / bakelite/phenolic type stuff.
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[easy e]

Just for fun... thought I'd post a pic showing the seal...

This one also show's why Helmut's pop-top canvas is nice... with the white screen... as opposed to the black screen, carried by everyone else.

_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[Nubby]

I'd like one as well once you've given it the once over.